Business

Pakistan reaffirms commitment to regional trade corridors through Iran, Afghanistan, and China

Regional experts argue that Afghanistan’s integration into cross-border trade projects could also enhance political stability, as stronger economic ties often help reduce tensions and foster cooperation.

Published

6 months ago

September 24, 2025

Ariana News

Pakistan is committed to completing regional trade corridors linking the country with Iran, Afghanistan, and China, Islamabad’s Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan said on Tuesday, underscoring the government’s focus on strengthening connectivity and boosting economic integration.

He made the remarks during a meeting with the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Regional Head, who reaffirmed the Bank’s plans to expand investments in Pakistan, particularly in the transport and communications sectors.

Pakistan remains a “priority country” under ADB’s current programs, the delegation noted, while also inviting the minister to attend the upcoming Bishkek Conference in November.

Aleem welcomed ADB’s continued support, describing road infrastructure as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economic growth. He highlighted opportunities for investment in communications, railways, and infrastructure, noting that regional initiatives such as the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program provide an important platform for attracting international investment.

“Pakistan is determined to complete trade corridors through Iran, Afghanistan, and China,” Aleem said. “These projects will not only strengthen trade but also promote tourism across the region.”

Analysts note that Afghanistan, situated at the crossroads of South and Central Asia, has a critical stake in the development of regional corridors. Landlocked and heavily dependent on imports, the country relies on transit routes through Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asia for access to global markets.

Trade links through initiatives like CAREC are seen as vital to revitalizing Afghanistan’s struggling economy, creating jobs, and offering alternatives to illicit trade. Improved road and rail infrastructure could significantly reduce the cost of doing business and open up opportunities for Afghan exports, particularly agricultural goods and minerals.

Without access to efficient trade routes, Afghanistan risks deeper isolation at a time when humanitarian and economic challenges are already acute.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has meanwhile repeatedly underscored the importance of regional connectivity as a cornerstone of its economic policy.

Kabul has promoted projects such as the Trans-Afghan Railway, linking Uzbekistan with Pakistan via Afghanistan, and has supported expanded road and energy corridors with neighbors, including Iran, China, and Central Asia.

IEA officials have emphasized that Afghanistan seeks to serve as a land bridge between South and Central Asia, offering shorter transit routes and new opportunities for regional trade.

While international recognition of the caretaker government remains unresolved, the IEA has continued to engage in talks with regional partners to attract investment in infrastructure and transit projects.

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Uzbekistan delivers over 290 tons of aid to Afghanistan

The assistance, provided ahead of Eid al-Fitr, is intended to support vulnerable communities while reinforcing ties between the neighboring countries.

Published

14 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Ariana News

Uzbekistan has delivered more than 290 tons of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, according to the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The assistance, provided ahead of Eid al-Fitr, is intended to support vulnerable communities while reinforcing ties between the neighboring countries.

The shipment includes essential food supplies such as flour, rice, wheat, vegetable oil, instant meals, pasta, and confectionery. An official handover ceremony was held in the border town of Hairatan.

Local officials, including Balkh province representatives and authorities from Hairatan, expressed appreciation for the continued support, acknowledging Uzbekistan’s efforts to assist the Afghan people.

Among those present at the ceremony were Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, Oybek Usmanov, and Surkhandarya regional governor Ulugbek Kosimov.

The aid delivery underscores Uzbekistan’s ongoing humanitarian engagement and its broader efforts to promote regional cooperation and stability.

Business

Turkmenistan, Afghanistan discuss steps to speed up land acquisition for TAPI pipeline

By the end of the year, the vessels are expected to deliver about 11,700 pipes as part of preparations for construction of the TAPI pipeline.

Published

3 days ago

March 16, 2026

Ariana News

Officials from Turkmenistan and Afghanistan have held talks aimed at accelerating land acquisition for the long-planned Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline, according to Afghanistan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock.

The issue was discussed during a meeting between TAPI project head Murad Amanov, Afghanistan’s acting Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock Mullah Attaullah Omari, and Turkmenistan’s ambassador to Afghanistan Hoja Ovezov.

Amanov briefed Afghan officials on recent progress and emphasized the need to accelerate procedures related to land acquisition and the determination of land prices in line with the framework agreement signed by the four participating countries.

Meanwhile, vessels operated by the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO), part of AZCON Holding, have begun transporting pipes for the project. The shipments are being carried from the Port of Baku to the Turkmenbashi International Seaport.

By the end of the year, the vessels are expected to deliver about 11,700 pipes as part of preparations for construction of the TAPI pipeline.

Business

Afghanistan expands exports through Lapis Lazuli Corridor

A transport company is scheduled to move the shipments on Sunday, March 15, along the route that links Afghanistan with Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia before reaching Turkey.

Published

4 days ago

March 15, 2026

Ariana News

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has announced the dispatch of eight export shipments through Torghundi port via the Lapis Lazuli Corridor to international markets.

In a statement, the ministry said the move is part of ongoing efforts to facilitate transit and strengthen the country’s export sector. Officials confirmed that coordination has been completed for eight commercial consignments to be transported along the corridor.

According to the ministry, a transport company is scheduled to move the shipments on Sunday, March 15, along the route that links Afghanistan with Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia before reaching Turkey.

The consignments include dried fruits, jam, pressure cookers and energy drinks. After arriving in Turkey, the goods are expected to be re-exported to markets in Saudi Arabia, the United States, Australia and the Netherlands.

The Lapis Lazuli Corridor is a regional trade and transit route launched in 2018 to connect Afghanistan with European markets through the Caucasus and Turkey, providing an alternative pathway for Afghan exports beyond traditional routes.

The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation said expanding transit corridors, supporting export and import growth, and facilitating international transport operations remain among its key priorities.

Officials added that practical steps are being taken to strengthen Afghanistan’s role in regional trade and connectivity.